Light of the World - Advent DevotionalSampl

Peace 

The Prince of Peace

by Pastor Maxim Belousov, OneHope Partner in Ukraine

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

Life in first century Palestine was hardly peaceful. 

It’s not difficult to imagine the shepherds’ conversation around the fire as they watched over their flocks that first Christmas night so many years ago. How long must we live in fear? When will this ever end? Why does God allow such horrible things to happen to us? Will peace ever come to our people? Our families? Ourselves?

But in the midst of tough questions, doubts, and worries, God breaks through the darkest hour of their night with an angel to reassure them. 

With the Lord’s glory shining all around, the angel tells shepherds — and you — that God isn’t ignorant of your circumstances. He knows you are scared, but you don’t need to be afraid because He is in control. Your Messiah is here!

And then those famous words from Luke 2:14 — 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

To a girl in Syria who just lost both her parents and a little brother in a bombing, these words promise the war will end. 

For a mother whose heart has been ripped apart by a drug addiction, they signal the end of guilt and a reason to hope. 

For you and me — and the whole earth — this is a priceless Christmas gift. Let us rejoice and give glory to God: the Savior is born, the Prince of Peace has come!

Reflection Point

Through the birth of Jesus Christ, God wants us to experience His everlasting peace and walk in His favor. In what areas of life do you need to experience God’s promise of peace? What questions and struggles is God reassuring you about?

Prayer Requests

Pray for Syrian refugees and others experiencing the horrors of war this Christmas to experience God’s peace and comfort.

Pray for OneHope Christmas outreaches in Ukraine and throughout Europe — that the hearts would be open to the Gospel, and many children and young people and their families would come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Celebrating Christmas in Ukraine

Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on January 7!

On Christmas Eve, families and friends gather together for food and fun parties. Both kids and adults go door-to-door singing carols, cheering one another, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.

"Shchedryk" is a favorite Christmas tune written by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1914. You might recognize the song as "Carol of the Bells."

Young people love participating in all kinds of singing — and even flash-mobs — in the malls and busy streets for Christmas.

Youth groups and Sunday schools often make special efforts to reach out to their communities at Christmas — visiting hospitals and orphanages to give gifts and share the Christmas story. Churches also put on candle light services, which are always packed with believers and guests.